Last season was supposed to be Deontae Lawson's last in Tuscaloosa. But a season-ending injury in Alabama's loss to Oklahoma led Lawson to return for his fifth season with the Crimson Tide.
Lawson was a captain on last season's team and is one of the top returning players in college football, though his availability for next season with the injury has been a legitimate concern. Lawson missed all of spring practice, and it remains unknown when Lawson will return to football activities.
But defensive coordinator Kane Wommack seems optimistic, and he shared a positive update on Lawson while being interviewed on WNSP 105.5:
"He’s farther ahead than where most people are at this stage of his rehab, and excited to see as he gets to do more and more things this summer, and then obviously, to be able to go into fall camp and get himself healthy and ready," said Wommack.
This is the first real update on Lawson's progress that Alabama fans have seen since the injury. It paints the picture that Lawson should be back and ready for fall camp, which will be a big boost for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama has depth at LB, but Deontae Lawson is as important as any defender
Despite missing the Iron Bowl and the bowl game, Lawson still finished second on the team in tackles in 2024 behind only Jihaad Campbell. Along with his ability, Lawson was a team captain last season and brings a leadership intangible that this talented, albeit young, defense needs.
Alabama has depth at linebacker. They unexpectedly returned Justin Jefferson, its top reserve from a year ago thanks to all JUCO players getting an extra year of eligibility. The Crimson Tide also added Colorado LB Nikhai Hill-Green via the Transfer Portal. Hill-Green was an All-Big 12 2nd team member a year ago.
If Lawson is limited early in the season, Alabama will have the depth to cover for him. But Lawson is the most talented player, and his leadership and ability as the signal-caller in the middle of the defense will be key for Wommack's side to build upon last year's Top 10 unit.
This Alabama defense has the potential to be the best in college football next season. Lawson is vital to the Crimson Tide's ability to reach the ceiling this defense has.